`SUPER-rats' are being fuelled by litter louts dumping burgers, chips, kebabs and other food on the ground.

A new survey has revealed almost a third of people in Yorkshire and Humber have admitted to dropping this sort of litter on the ground.

And now Keep Britain Tidy has unveiled a new campaign against this litter on our streets.

Phil Moss, regional director of Keep Britain Tidy said: "Food litter is a big problem on our streets. It looks a mess and attracts pests - expanding the UK population of rats to 60m.

"People think it's only boozed-up revellers chucking their chips and burgers after a heavy night out that is causing rats to come out of the sewers and roam the streets. But others are also doing their bit to attract rats, by dropping their fruit peelings and left-over lunches."

Many believe they are doing a good deed by throwing fruit peelings and apple cores on to the ground or feeding leftover sandwiches to the birds, because they will biodegrade, but they are actually doing more harm than good.

Most gets dropped on pavements at lunchtime. The food then breaks down on the concrete, leaving a dirty stain and a tasty meal for vermin.

Keep Britain Tidy has teamed up with councils across the country to hammer home the message. They will be displaying posters featuring scavenging rodents writhing over rubbish which says: `Litter is becoming a plague'.

Mr Moss added: "While almost a third of the region admits to dropping food, I believe the real figure is much higher.

"Whether it's a half eaten burger, sandwich crusts or an apple core you drop, you must stop and realise that the only place for your rubbish is in the bin."